Round 2 opener raises questions about Leon Draisaitl's health

 Is Leon Draisaitl healthy?

That has to be the question after the Edmonton Oilers star center played only 16:43 in the 5-4 loss Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference second-round series on Wednesday night, in which the Oilers blew a three-goal lead.

After assisting on Edmonton's two first-period goals, Draisaitl missed the last half of the second period. He headed to the dressing room after an abbreviated 10-second shift in the middle period.

He returned for the third period but looked uncomfortable on the bench and stiff and slow on the ice.

Of course, the Canucks noticed all of this and did not miss an opportunity to give Draisaitl an extra shot in the third period. Draisaitl and Vancouver defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who scored the tying goal in the third period, took coincidental minors 7:59 into the third after Zadorov crosschecked Draisaitl and Draisaitl slashed Zadorov.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was asked about Draisaitl after the game.

"Nothing at all - just some cramping," Knoblauch said, via Caleb Kerney of The Hockey News.  "Between cramping and equipment issues that's why his ice-time was down."

Whether that's the truth or not, Edmonton needs an effective Draisaitl if it wants to finally capitalize on the superstar tandem he forms with Connor McDavid and win the Stanley Cup this year.

With five goals and seven assists in six playoff games, Draisaitl is tied for second in playoff scoring with 12 points. He is also a far better defensive player than he is given credit for.

There have also been rumors that Draisaitl, whose eight-year, $68 million contract will expire at the end of next season, is looking to move on from the Oilers if they fail to win the Stanley Cup.

Game 2 against Vancouver is Friday at Rogers Arena.